An approach to interfacing the brain with quantum computers: practical steps and caveats

E Miranda, S Venkatesh, JD Martin-Guerrero, C Hernani-Morales, L Lamata, E Solano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We report on the first proof-of-concept system demonstrating how one can control a qubit with mental activity. We developed a method to encode neural correlates of mental activity as instructions for a quantum computer. Brain signals are detected utilizing electrodes placed on the scalp of a person, who learns how to produce the required mental activity to issue instructions to rotate and measure a qubit. Currently, our proof-of-concept runs on a software simulation of a quantum computer. At the time of writing, available quantum computing hardware and brain activity sensing technology are not sufficiently developed for real-time control of quantum states with the brain. But we are one step closer to interfacing the brain with real quantum machines, as improvements in hardware technology at both fronts become available in time to come. The paper ends with a discussion on some of the challenging problems that need to be addressed before we can interface the brain with quantum hardware.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages0
JournalInternational Journal of Unconventional Computing
Volume17
Issue number3
Early online date5 Jan 2022
Publication statusPublished - 5 Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Brain-Computer Interface
  • Computer Science
  • Neuroscience
  • Quantum computing

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An approach to interfacing the brain with quantum computers: practical steps and caveats'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this